Red-Breasted Carrion Beetle vs Red-Shouldered Ham Beetle
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Red-Breasted Carrion Beetle | Red-Shouldered Ham Beetle |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Oiceoptoma thoracicum | Carcinops pumilio |
| Order | Coleoptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Silphidae | Histeridae |
| Size | 12-16 mm | 2-3 mm |
| Habitat | Grasslands | Farmland |
| Diet | Carrion Feeders | Predators |
| Regions | Europe, Northern Asia | Worldwide (cosmopolitan) |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Red-Breasted Carrion Beetle
A flattened black beetle with a broad, reddish-orange thorax found on carrion. Unlike burying beetles, it does not bury carcasses but feeds on them in place.
Did You Know?
It is often the first beetle species to arrive at a carcass, sometimes appearing within minutes of death.
Red-Shouldered Ham Beetle
A tiny, shiny black hister beetle commonly found in poultry houses where it preys on house fly larvae. It is an important biological control agent in livestock facilities.
Did You Know?
A single beetle can consume up to 24 house fly eggs per day, making it one of the best natural fly controls in hen houses.